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Lithuania will begin to shoot down aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.